Is Your Carpet Making You Sick?

We walk all over our carpets, hardly knowing the danger they carry. Carpets that seem harmless to the naked eye, may in reality be chuck full of hazardous bacteria, such as allergens, pet hair, animal feces, dust and mites. Experts estimate that 80 percent of pesticide exposure happens within our own homes. With people spending an average of 90 percent of their time indoors, these harmful toxins may be damaging your health more than you realize. Prevention can be taken to protect you and your family from the hazards of a dirty carpet. Here are some of the potential risks dirty carpet can pose to your health, along with what can be done to eliminate these risks.

Respiratory Problems

Dirty carpets are the perfect thriving ground for mold, which attracts allergens and bacteria. Inhaling these toxins can result in flu-like symptoms and other respiratory problems. Dust mites thrive on bacteria and fungi love dirty carpet. Keep in mind these dust mites can cause rashes, along with nose and eye irritations. All of these symptoms add to general respiratory problems, making it more difficult to breathe.

Allergies

Carpet can easily become home to fungi, pet hairs, dust, and tiny insects. This can be bothersome to those with existing allergies. Sneezing, itchy skin, and malaise are common results of allergic reactions. The accumulation of dirt is a trigger for allergies, making it even more important to clean your carpets on a regular basis.

Skin Irritation

When you walk barefoot on a bacteria infested carpet, that bacteria may enter your system via open cuts, scratches, or other breaks in the skin. This commonly causes as fungal infection known commonly as athlete’s foot.

Other living and nonliving irritants found in a dirty carpet may cause redness, itchiness or even swelling when in contact with the skin. Dust and dirt from carpet can also cause skin asthma attacks.

Higher Stress Levels

Studies over the years have shown that being in a filthy environment causes higher stress levels. While stress doesn’t cause a lot of immediate harm, it can be damaging to one’s emotional state. Too much stress can also weaken the immune system over time, making one more susceptible to sickness. Therefore, having a clean carpet will not only benefit you physically, but mentally as well.

Illness Prevention Tips:

Your carpets have the ability to make you sick, but proper care can prevent illnesses from occurring. Here are some easy tips for keeping your home free of the harmful toxins found in dirty carpets.

If possible, install hardwood floors in the major traffic areas of your home, and use smaller throw rugs in place of wall-to-wall carpet. Rugs are economical, easy to move, and easily washed.

Replace drapes and blinds with roll-down shades or washable curtains.

Clean your carpets regularly. Experts suggest vacuuming your home once a week, and having your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year.

Replace your carpet if cleaning doesn’t seem to rid your carpet of filth. Experts suggest replacing carpet if you live in a home that was built before 1978.

Use a doormat. The amount of dirt and debris brought into your home can be greatly reduced by using a doormat.

Conclusion

In Eastern Idaho, the four seasons and farming life can cause a lot of dirt and debris to be tracked into your home. To keep your home safe and clean from the harmful buildup of toxins, call Tobin Restoration to clean your carpets. Our trained professionals use top of the line equipment to ensure that your carpet is cleaned and freed from harmful toxins. Give Tobin Restoration a call at (208) 523-1080 to start the sanitation process in your home today.

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Our Idaho Falls cleaning and restoration company is with you from START TO FINISH. If you’ve experienced damage at your home or business, call us anytime, 24/7 at (208) 523-1080. Haven’t decided who to choose? You can contact us at any time for a free estimate and inspection of your damaged areas.